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<p> </p><p>The Coalition Government recognises that young people can be victims of
<br>domestic violence and abuse both within the home and in their relationships. That
is why in March <br>2013, we extended the definition of domestic violence and abuse
to include 16 <br>and 17 year olds, and coercive control. Our aim in extending the
definition is <br>to increase awareness that young people experience domestic violence
and abuse, <br>encouraging more of them to come forward and access the support they
need. In <br>March 2013, the Home Office also published a guide to assist local areas
to <br>consider how the extension to the definition of domestic violence and abuse
may <br>impact on their services and identify potential gaps and opportunities for
<br>working with 16-17 year olds and how to respond to cases involving young <br>people.
<br><br>The Coalition Government believes it is important to invite young people to
<br>express their views and preferences about policies that are developed for them
which is why <br>we have worked with the NSPCC to establish a Young People's Panel.
The Panel <br>has met four times since its inception in 2012 and their discussions
have fed <br>into policy development around young people and domestic violence. This
<br>includes commenting on the guidance for local areas following the change in <br>definition,
and reviewing aspects of our media campaigns.<br><br>The Home Office has also launched
its Teenage Relationship Abuse and <br>Teenage Rape Prevention campaigns. The aims
of the campaigns are to prevent <br>teenagers from becoming victims and perpetrators
of abusive relationships. It <br>will encourage teenagers to re-think their views
of violence, abuse or <br>controlling behaviour in relationships and direct them to
places for help and <br>advice. The campaign is aimed at 13 to 18 year old boys in
particular.</p><p> </p>
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